1.1.1 Introduction to urbanisation Flashcards
Urban growth
An increase in the number of people living in urban areas.
Urbanisation
An increase in the proportion of a country’s population who live in an urban area.
Urban sprawl
The expansion of an urban area into the countryside.
How has the proportion of people living in urban areas increased from 1950 to 2014.
In 1950, 30% of people lived in urban areas. This figure rose to 50% in 2014.
What are the four key processes affecting the population of cities?
- Urbanisation
- Suburbanisation
- Counter urbanisation
- Urban resurgence
Why does urbanisation occur?
It occurs because of migration and natural increase. People often migrate to cities for easier access to school and healthcare, and because there are more jobs available (these are known as pull factors).
Many migrants are young adults – if they have children, the population increases further.
Suburbanisation
The migration of people from city centres to the outskirts of cities.
Why does suburbanisation occur?
As urbanisation increases, city centres become overcrowded and people desire more space. Improvements to transport links mean people can live further away and commute to work. Many people choose to move to the suburbs when they have children or retire.
What happens as a result of suburbanisation?
A complex pattern of wealthy and poorer areas develops. Wealthier middle-class people may move to the suburbs where there is a better quality of life. Those left behind tend to be poorer and may include foreign immigrants. This can lead to economic and ethnic segregation.
Counter urbanisation
The movement of people out of the city into surrounding villages and rural areas.
Why does counter urbanisation occur?
People typically leave cities because of high property prices and overcrowding.
Improvements in transport mean people can commute to work and better communications (e.g. internet access) allow people to work from home.
What are the effects of counter-urbanisation in rural areas?
Counter-urbanisation can lead to new housing estates being built in rural areas. House prices may increase, meaning that some local people (e.g. young people) can’t afford to live there. This can change the age structure of the area.
Urban resurgence
The movement of people back into the city centre.
Why might urban resurgence happen?
People may move back to city centres because of a lack of jobs in rural or suburban areas.
People are also attracted by new developments (e.g. high quality housing).
Where is urban resurgence most common?
Post-industrial countries, like the UK or USA.
Case study for urbanisation
Chinese government has plans to merge 9 cities to create an urban area 26 times larger than Greater London.
How has the location of world cities changed?
The majority of world cities are in HICs, but some are in NEEs.
In 1950, the only world cities were London, Paris, Tokyo and New York. More recently, economic growth in oil-rich countries such as Nigeria has allowed cities such as Lagos to become contenders for world city status – these cities are increasingly important in global economics and business.
